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Christian Cole is a Melbourne-based bespoke timber furniture craftsman who uses 100 percent recycled timber or wood sourced from sustainable commercial plantations. Starting his career as a teenager, Christian’s expertise is in demand from interior designers, homeowners and TV series, The Block.
Here, he shares with ATL Composites insight into his inspiration the appeal of applying traditional skills to create hand crafted furniture and architectural joinery.
At 16, Christian started an apprenticeship with a skilled furniture maker, learning how to craft kitchens and fine furniture from Baltic Pine. “That was where I really got into working with my hands, creating pieces that were both practical and stylish,” says this master craftsman.
By 19, he had started his own business, working out of his parents’ backyard shed.
“It wasn’t easy, but I was driven by a need for independence and the freedom to create my own designs. Those early days were tough, but they taught me the value of hard work and what it takes to build something from the ground up.”
Via word of mouth, referral and a boost from national TV exposure in The Block renovation series, Christian has expanded his business to take on three apprentices, all at different stages of learning the craft.
“While they’re growing their skills, I still handle most of the furniture-making myself. It’s the best way to make sure everything meets the high standards I’ve built my business on,” he attests.
For Christian, even after two decades of working with wood, its appeal has only grown.
“I’m obsessed with timber! It’s not just about the look, but the stories it carries,” he explains. “I love sourcing recycled timber from old buildings, bridges, and other structures, each piece packed with history.
“I also work with a woodcutter who finds dead trees on farms and mills them to my exact specs, perfect for woodworking. From there, I dry the timber slowly to get it to just the right moisture content. Every piece is unique, with its own character and quirks, and the variety between species always keeps things exciting.”
Hallmarks of the Christian Cole brand are “top-notch quality, both in the timber and the craftsmanship”.
“I personally choose each piece of timber, focusing on the unique features that match my client’s vision. Using traditional woodworking techniques, I craft every piece with care, signing and dating each one. I pay close attention to the overall balance and look of each table, making sure it feels just right. What’s more, I love involving my clients in the process, letting them pick their timber and follow their piece as it comes to life.”
Projects have spanned every segment and purpose, from private homes to commercial spaces, working with architects and interior designers to bring their ideas to life, adding unique, tailored touches.
“Whether it’s a personal home project or something bigger, we’re all about making pieces that fit the space and vibe.”
Christian and his team rely on WEST SYSTEM epoxy products for the full gamut of their projects. “We use WEST SYSTEM epoxy because it’s perfect for timber,” he states.
“It creates an incredibly strong bond that’s hard to beat. It also stays crystal clear and won’t yellow over time, which is a big plus. To take it a step further, we mix the WEST SYSTEM with their 413 Microfibre Blend to create a super-strong glue. It gives us more time to work with, and the end result is a clean, crystal-clear finish that looks amazing.”
One recent project that stands out for its complexity and visual impact, is the refurbishment of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Thornbury.
Designed by Paolo Pianezze Architect, St. Mary’s Catholic Church Thornbury was opened in February 1916 by the Archbishop of Melbourne. The architectural design of St. Mary’s is a testament to the Gothic Revival style, with its pointed arches, intricate ornamentation and majestic spires that captivating visitors and parishioners alike.
Aiming to preserve its heritage, St Mary’s Catholic Parish commissioned Christian Cole to contribute to the restoration of various areas within the building. Solid timber panelling, seating, and cabinetry crafted from American Oak timber were incorporated, employing traditional methods of cabinetry.
As Christian describes it, “Timber is timeless. It’s not just about its beauty – it’s durable, built to last for generations, and more important than ever with sustainability being a top priority.
“Timber is a renewable resource, so it’s kind to the planet, too. But beyond that, there’s a real emotional connection to wood. Think about a timber table; it becomes a centrepiece in a family’s home, where memories are made. And the best part? Timber is easy to repair, unlike steel or plastic, which are tough to fix. With timber, you can restore it and keep it looking great for years to come.”
